Interstate L-6 Cadet

Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation entered the aircraft manufacturing field in 1940 with the S-1 Cadet, a tandem seat monoplane. A prototype delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces (AAF) was designated XO-63 and has the distinction of being the last airplane to use the “O” designation. When the United States entered World War II, the AAF contracted with Interstate for 250 of the S-1B1 variant and designated them L-6.

While the L-6 was said to be faster, stronger, and more suitable to a rugged environment than comparable “liaison” aircraft, the Interstate L-6 cost almost three times as much. Recurrent engine troubles hampered its use by the AAF, thus the Interstate had the unfortunate distinction that fewer were built (a total of 259) than any other AAF liaison aircraft. Seeing service primarily in the United States, the L-6 was used for transport, liaison exercise, and flight training. Interstate was based in El Segundo, California.

Your tax deductible donation will help to support the preservation of this aircraft.

If you prefer to give by mail, send your check payable to: Alamo Liaison Squadron, 2352 S. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio, Texas 78264. Please write “Donation” in the memo line.

Notes: Eight examples of the Interstate S-1A Cadet were ordered for the Bolivian Air Force and designated as L-8A. Distinguishing features of the L-6 include: enlarged cabin with “greenhouse” windows, balanced horizontal stabilizer with elevator horn, cabin door swings up (on the L-8/Cadet it swings forward).

For more info on the L-6/L-8 check out this warbirdsnews.com article by Matthew McDaniel.